From: axel leijonhufvud
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 12:38 PM
To: City Council
Subject: James Way Beautification
External Email
I am attaching a copy of a letter I sent by email to Ben Fine, Engineering, this morning. Later, I learned of, and watched, the Council meeting yesterday with regard to the beautification proposals.
I want to emphasize my objection to the benches. (Please, see my letter.)
And, in view of Council discussion, I want to say that I remain doubtful trees will do well in this area, in particular on the blocks between Ridge Road and Crest Road. I'm sure the neighbors are jealous of their views. I am somewhat up the hill from James Way and I suffer from hard-pan conditions, very severe, on part of my property. I wonder if the relevant departments have checked geologic conditions under those trees which appear to have concrete bottoms. Suggestions with regard to lower growing plants, perhaps, a few succulent ground cover that can bloom brightly and profusely after the rains, might be doable and attractive. From my house I do not mind the open lot which apparently is part of Toucan Terrace. After the rains it turns green, and fire regulations and concerns mean that it is cut before the dry season. The city should take care of the area which is the interface between that fence and the public sidewalk.
Also, no concern appears to have been shown for the area between Fourth Street (Sushi Restaurant) and the curve near the railroad. That part certainly has problems. If necessary the city can work with CalTrans.
I agree with Marcia Guthrie that this area has more people walking, and, perhaps jogging, than biking. I am not in favor of bike stations (maybe one at Chumash Park) or water fountains when, in this day, most people, rich or poor, carry their own water bottles, especially when biking.
Sincerely,
Earlene Craver Leijonhufvud
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Ben Fine, Public Works Director, Engineering Division
760 Mattie Road
Pismo Beach CA 93449
RE: James Way Beautification Department
Dear Director Fine:
I spoke with office personnel some time ago and staff promised to send me a copy of the meeting with regard to beautification of the James Way corridor. That did not happen so I found a link to the Zoom meeting this morning and listened to much of it.
My husband, Axel Leijonhufvud, and I live in “Sea Country” which is up hill and across from the oft- referenced “Toucan Terrace” development. We use James Way extensively and have lived in this area
for about twenty years since my husband’s early retirement from UCLA where he was in the Department of Economics.
We would certainly agree that the length of James Way could use more trash cans.
I have heard very negative comments on the proposal to add benches along the length of James Way.
And I agree with those who reject the idea. We live in changed times, and, it has become more and more dangerous even to use public transportation. I’m afraid benches would merely encourage problems to develop along the James Way corridor.
Had I attended the Zoom meeting I also would have immediately addressed, as you did, the problem of the trees (present or absent) and the disrepair of the boxes. I think the best policy would be simply to remove them--both trees and the boxes. One issue, not brought up, was the question of public orders and policy when we suffer droughts. Big trees, of course, often cause root damage on the sidewalks and the neighbors whose views would be obstructed would strongly object. I don’t think small planter boxes with a few flowers would work out too well either, especially in periods of water restrictions.
On the question of public art, I would oppose any statues, and, would not want a project that would be costly, such as in other parts, including Shell Beach. The idea of painting games such as hopscotch on the sidewalks on this thoroughfare, and, in the middle of intersections is a bad idea in this neighborhood. James Way is quite a thoroughfare between Pismo and Arroyo Grande. I use it regularly both to go into Arroyo Grande, the near by shopping centers and Arroyo Grande Village, and, since Covid, to use the park on James Way near Grace Church (Arroyo Grande) and to go into the shopping center and gas stations near Five Cities Road. The point is that parents do not, and should not, encourage their children to play in the intersections or on the public sidewalks. Fortunately, we do not live in a densely populated urban area, and, there are plenty of other spaces for children to safely play.
So, I strongly reject the idea of painting games in the intersections and on the sidewalks! As for other designs on the walkways or intersections, I guess it would be a matter of cost for relatively modest “improvements”. And, Pismo does not need an archway in this area of the city. It is best for entry into the old city and beach area.
I hope you will take into consideration the positive proposals to: remove tree boxes without other tree or flower replacements; add a number of trash cans, and monitor and clear some of the ivy-weed situations mentioned. I trust you will strongly reject a proposal to add benches along this busy corridor and not put street art aimed at encouraging children to play in the intersections or sidewalks of this fairly busy traffic corridor.
Sincerely yours,
(Dr.) Earlene Craver (Leijonhufvud)
212 Effie Way
Pismo Beach CA 93449